Llewellyn Publications's Blog, page 64

Empathy: It’s “Bigger” Than You Think

Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Cyndi Dale, author of Everyday Clairvoyant, Kundalini, The Complete Book of Chakra Healing, Beyond Soul Mates, and the new Spiritual Power of Empathy.

One day I was working out a “crink” in my back and was greatly relieved when it released. Soon after, I got a call from my third grader’s school nurse.

“Gabe’s in the office. He threw out his back.”

I picked him up and noticed that his “sore sport” was in the same place my own had been. This wasn’t a coincidence; his pain had started the exact moment my own disappeared. My physical problem had simply leaped from me to my son. After all, who has ever heard of an eight-year-old injuring his back sitting in a desk chair?

Gabe, like millions of individuals of all ages, is empathic. Empathy is usually defined as the ability to sense what another is going through. As succinct as this definition is, it’s far too small to encompass all the complexities of empathy, which I believe is a spiritual gift, not only an exercise in bonding. This means it works with spiritual energy, not only the stuff of our five senses.

Spiritual energy, also called subtle or psychic energy, is information transferred faster than “normal” energy. Our five senses are equipped to perceive information moving at relatively low speeds. I think of this as “unremarkable” information, albeit important. We have to hear someone speak to know what is being said. We must listen to a sad story to know that someone is sad. Spiritual information, on the other hand, is quite remarkable because it is is dispersed supersonically. It travels so fast we might simply sense the feelings, issues, or needs of another before they even open their mouth—even if they aren’t present.

There are three major families of spiritual gifts. These include the verbal gifts, which enable us to hear subtle information; the visual aptitudes, which translates as pictures in our mind; and finally, our friendly empathic gifts, which result in us being able to sense, feel, know, or perceive what is occurring elsewhere. As my story with Gabe suggests, the empathic family is an astounding vehicle for bonding with others, but it comes with its own challenges.

For most of my life, I was “too empathic.” I could enter a family event in a great mood and, like a lint brush, leave with everyone else’s feelings attached to me. If I were talking on the phone with a friend who had a cold, within minutes, I’d be sneezing as well. Malls were impossible. I really didn’t want to know who was cheating on their taxes or hiding a filched shirt inside their backpack. Quite a few years ago I decided I had to get a handle on my empathy and have it work for both others and myself—not only others.

Perceiving it as web of compassion, I stood back and decided I was only going to “tune into” information that didn’t compromise my emotions, well being, or health. In order to do this I had to alter my essential beliefs, which were centered on thinking it was my job to heal everyone, no matter the expense. I decided that I could “register” what others’ were experiencing without taking it all the way into my personal body. Once I did this, I was aware of what others were going through but I wasn’t felled by it anymore.

Gabe’s school experience suggested that I had accidently trained him into the over-empathic role before I created better boundaries for myself. Using simple language, I explained to him that he could decide to care about others without actually becoming sick with their problems. I then had him picture a white light around him that kept others’ illnesses, pains, or feelings out but could still “tell” his heart what they were going through. This easy visual made a huge difference for him.

How freeing, to use our empathic sense to care for others even while caring for ourselves. By viewing empathy as a set of spiritual abilities, we’re able to make truly loving decisions about what to feel—or not.

Our thanks to Cyndi for her guest post! For more from Cyndi Dale, read her article “Empathy as a Spiritual Power: What Type of Empath Are You?.”

What’s in a Name?

Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Chic Cicero and Sandra Tabatha Cicero, Chief Adepts of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn as re-established by Israel Regardie and authors of a vast number of books, including The Essential Golden Dawn, Self-Initiation into the Golden Dawn Tradition, and Tarot Talismans.

 

Any Ceremonial Magician who has watched the news lately cannot help but be dismayed at the unfortunate co-opting of some of our most revered names and phrases, often by those who are oblivious to their spiritual importance. About a year ago the name “Golden Dawn” was making the cable news and it had nothing to do with magic and everything to do with Greek right-wing extremists. At the time some authors suggested that various Golden Dawn magical groups should drop any reference to the name “Golden Dawn” so as not to be tainted by confusion with Greek extremists. However, many of us felt that running away from the name of our beloved magical tradition was not the answer. Besides, if someone changed the name of their magical group from “Golden Dawn” to “Silver Sunset” it would still be possible for some unrelated extremist group to co-opt that name as well! Educating the public seemed a more fitting solution­ (blog posts dedicated to spreading the word can be found here and here.

Even more distressing is hearing the name of ISIS in the news lately. We sincerely doubt that Neopagans, Wiccans, and Ceremonial Magicians will be changing the name of our beloved and ancient Egyptian Goddess anytime soon, due to current events.

It’s not the first time that someone suggested changing a name in magical practice. Aleister Crowley advocated changing the name of magic itself to magick with a “k” to differentiate the ancient theurgical practice from theatrical stage-craft. However, most Golden Dawn magicians have refused to surrender the honored name of magic to stage magicians and card tricks.

Magical theory posits that there is great significance in the names of Gods, Angels, and Spirits. One of the most powerful statements made by the Hierophant in the Neophyte Ceremony expresses in no uncertain terms just how important Divine Names and Words of Power are in the practice of magic: “By Names and Images are all Powers Awakened and reawakened.” This is because spiritual entities are etherically linked to their names and symbolism­—in some sense they are said to partly reside in these attributes. Therefore, the active vibration or intonation of a deity name rouses these forces to come to the aid of the magician’s work.

The magical power of words is a timeless concept. In the Egyptian Book of the Dead, or, more correctly, The Chapters of Coming Forth by Day, the deceased had to know numerous Words of Power to secure eternal life in the Underworld—not only the names and attributes of the 42 Assessor gods who judged his actions on earth in the well-known story of the Weighing of the Heart, but also the names of every single part of the boat which ferried him across the great river flowing to the underworld:

“Tell me my name,” saith the Rudder. “Leg of Hapiu is thy name.” “Tell me my name,” saith the Rope. “Hair, with which Anubis finisheth the work of my embalmment, is thy name.” “Tell us our names,” say the Oar-rests. “Pillars of the underworld is your name.”

As shown in the story of Isis gaining mastery over Rê, the Egyptians believed that knowing the secret name of a Deity conferred great power to the magician who knew it. This idea would later manifest in the Græco-Egyptian “barbarous names” of magic. In the Practicus Ritual of the Golden Dawn, the candidate is told, “Change not the barbarous Names of Evocation, for they are Names Divine, having in the Sacred Rites a Power ineffable.”

The Power of the Word is expressed in the Greek concept of the Logos (“word”), a Gnostic term for Deity manifest in the universe. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1) It is also expressed in the Masonic quest for the recovery of the “Lost Word,”­ a word that “causes the heavens to tremble and the world below to quake.”

Echoes of this can be found in the Golden Dawn’s Portal Ritual, which also references Thoth, the Egyptian god of language and magic: “Then breathed forth Tho-oth out of the Unutterable Abyss the Word! Then stood Tho-oth in the Sign of the Enterer, on the Threshold of the Hall of Time, as Time was born of the Eternal. So stood Tho-oth in the Power of the Word, giving forth Light, while the Aeons that were unbegotten unfolded before him.”

Language is power. The magical properties of speech are a frequently recurring theme in the literature and scripture of the world. In magic, names and words have real force. Let’s not be quick to surrender these talismanic tools.

Our thanks to Chic & Tabatha for their guest post! Chic and Tabatha are Chief Adepts of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn as re-established by Israel Regardie (www.hermeticgoldendawn.org). The Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, of which Chic is the Imperator and Tabatha is the Cancellaria, is an international Order with temples in several countries. Tabatha is also the Imperatrix of the Societas Rosicruciana in America (www.sria.org).

Chic and Tabatha share an enthusiasm for Ceremonial Magic and the Hermetic arts. Their books, which are published by Llewellyn, include The Golden Dawn Magical Tarot kit, Secrets of a Golden Dawn Temple, The Essential Golden Dawn, Tarot Talismans, The Babylonian Tarot, and Self-Initiation into the Golden Dawn Tradition. They have also edited and annotated new editions of Israel Regardie’s classics The Middle Pillar, The Tree of Life, A Garden of Pomegranates, and The Philosopher’s Stone.

Visit their author page for more information, including articles and books.

Lost Souls

Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Patrick Burke, co-author of the new Ghost Soldiers of Gettysburg.

As an expert on battlefield and historical haunting, I am mostly asked questions when doing a lecture or presentation specific to that genre. But once in a while, I get the surprise question that almost always leads me into a new direction of exploring my own Psi abilities and going off the beaten path of paranormal or spiritual world.

I was at a conference doing my presentation called, “History with a Twist” and, as is the norm, most of the questions were about the various photos and videos of apparitions or the EVP I captured at various battlefields and historic locations. One young lady raised her hand and asked me the following question: “Do you think the ghosts know they are dead, and, if they do, why are they still earthbound?”

“Excellent question,” I smiled and then I gave her my answer. The simple answer is yes and no. I have communicated with both spirits who had no idea they had died and others who knew they were dead, but feared to move on, mostly because they dreaded being judged on the fighting and killing they had done.

The young lady then had a follow up question: “Do you ever help them?”

Wow. That simple question 8 years ago got my attention…do I ever help them? My spirit guides perked up as I wrapped my head around this question. I answered truthfully; it never occurred to me that these spirits need my help in that way. I always strive to tell a little bit of their story through their eyes, history in motion. I did tell her that I would be looking into how I could start to help these Lost Souls to cross over.

As I continued to develop my Psi abilities, I discovered how to step into the Zero Point Field (ZPF) where all matter originates (or as my Lakota brother would say, Wakan, or the no-thing, the essence of all creation, the beginning and the end). Some may call it God’s presence, others according to their own spiritual belief. The act of stepping into the ZPF was electrifying to say the least!

I soon discovered that being in the zone enabled me to reach out to those spirits who desired to be whole again, to be a part of something that they had been missing, sometimes for hundreds of years! My first crossing over was with a ten-year-old slave girl. I was training two students in the basics of Psi communication when this young spirit approached me. As it turned out, she was hiding from the Confederate soldiers who raided her master’s house (the Union soldiers were occupying it at the time). I asked her if she would like to move onto God’s Grace; I often use terms that the spirit can understand to facilitate the crossing over. Surprisingly, she said she could not go as she was not a whole person. Suddenly, the room was full of the spirits of slaves all gathering around me, as I had just opened up a portal to help the little girl cross over. Amazingly she still believed what she had been told her entire life; most likely many of the spirits present felt the same way. I looked down at her—Lizzy was her name—and told her that in God’s eyes we are all his children…with a smile and wide eyes she called out, “Thank you!”

And suddenly her spirit and dozens of other spirits, Lost Souls, had been whisked away to God’s Grace.

In my recent book, Ghost Soldiers of Gettysburg, I share some of the cross-overs of the Ghost Soldiers I have done at Gettysburg. Since then, I have done hundreds of cross-overs. I have battled the malevolent energies that strive to keep these Lost Souls earthbound for their sadistic power. The working title of my next book is Lost Souls—the freeing of the earthbound spirits from hell.

Our thanks to Patrick for his guest post! For more from Patrick Burke, read his article “How to Capture Evidence of a Ghost.”

Samhain Thoughts…

Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Sonja Sadovsky, author of the new Priestess and the Pen.

The wheel turns, and another Samhain is upon us. As usual, I am swamped with work, as I try desperately to wrap up everything I need to complete before heading into the dark time. In Florida, we do not have the beautiful fall colors and brisk autumn wind to signal the season, but there is a perceptible energetic shift that occurs at this time, a tension similar to drawing back a sling shot and holding onto it for a few minutes before letting the stone fly into the night.

Before the year unwinds, the pressure builds. It’s culling time, it is the season to finish the projects that can be completed, table those that deserve attention at a later time, and kill the ones that will not bear fruit. I find myself constantly busy, and I am grateful for it. The activity distracts me from thinking of the friends I have lost this year, and the silence that replaces the sound of our laughter. Decisive action has been my antidote to lonely thoughts, and keeps me moving forward.

Soon however, even the most elusive tasks will be completed. The dark season will bring with it all of the introspection and regret that had burnt away in the summer’s warmth. Hopefully these thoughts will have lost the sharpness of fresh grief, though I suspect this dull ache shall continue as winter settles in. Everything runs its course in time, projects, relationships, and even mourning. The challenge is ending the cycle in order for a new endeavor to commence. Fortunately, for those who observe it, Samhain offers the perfect energy to facilitate rapid transition, and signals the beginning of respite and renewal. Use the tension of the season to your advantage. Finish your work with swiftness, and cut out the things that waste your time. Listen and be open, as some messages can only be revealed in silence. Beyond the gates of death, but not yet at the season of quickening and new growth, old friends and future born whisper secrets to those with ears to hear them.

Our thanks to Sonja for her guest post! For more from Sonja Sadovsky, including her books and articles, visit her author profile.

Empowering Readings, part 1

When someone asks “what if” they are usually worried about the outcome of something they are considering doing. They may be looking for assurances that either the feared event won’t happen or that if it does, everything will somehow be okay.

Although, as readers, we cannot give the assurance that the event won’t happen, we can provide understanding and empathy. More importantly, we can help our querents find hope and empowerment that they’ll need to face the situation if it actually does occur.

1. Their worry

Allow the querent to talk about what they are worried may happen. Let them describe their “what if…?” scenario. Don’t judge them or tell them they are silly to be worried. Don’t make light of it, with a “oh, that will never happen.” They need understanding and empathy. You needn’t believe or agree that their fear is valid. You just need understand why they are afraid or worried. You need to allow that their concern exists before they can move forward. Have the querent select a card that represents the concern and leave that card on the table.

2. Control

Talk about who or what seemingly has the control in the situation. Also have the querent discuss why they feel they have no control. Have the querent select cards that represent the person or persons in control and lay that card or cards to the left of the first card. Likewise, have them select a card that represents themselves in this situation and lay it to the right of the first card. Consider if there are any hidden strengths in the querent’s card that could be used to insure their fear doesn’t come to pass. This may not be possible, but it is worth considering.

3. What they think may happen

Let the querent explain the various scenarios that they think could happen if the event they are worried about actually happens. Suggest that they imagine at least two different outcomes. At least one may be a worst-case kind of situation. It is important to allow them to talk about it and not diminish their fears. Also encourage them to imagine at least one less dire outcome and, if possible, a best-case scenario. Again, have them select cards representing these situations and lay them below the first three cards.

4. Analyze the situation

With the querent, look at the cards on the table, paying attention to any relationships between the cards. What kind of energy is represented in the first three cards? What kind of energy is present in the various outcomes? Are there any clear connections? Do the cards suggest any possibilities of the querent influencing the outcome? Looking the outcomes, have the querent think of any possible benefits that would result. Help them by pointing out the range of meanings in the cards. For example, if they selected The Tower as the worst-case scenario, remind them that it is a card of cleansing and strengthening, that which was weak will fall about but that which is strong will remain and provide a foundation to build on anew.

By this point, the querent should have a clearer picture of their concerns and a variety of outcomes. They have been heard and their worries have been taken seriously. Naming and recognizing their fears will go a long way in helping them realize that no matter what happens, they still have options and some control.

Remind the querent that no matter what happens, they will still have options. They may not be able to stop something from happening, but they can prepare themselves to deal with it. Frightening situations are easier to handle if they have a game plan. Help the querent create their plans by doing a reading about each of the outcomes. For the worst-case scenario, do a reading about what benefits and options the querent can find and how to make the best of an unfortunate situation. For the best-case scenario, do a reading about how the querent can work with that energy to encourage that outcome.

At the end of reading, by coming up with various possibilities, the querent will have answered their own question: what if…? They will have a clearer picture of their fears. Most importantly, they will have a variety of game plans so that they can face the outcome, whatever it is, with confidence. They will have a restored sense of empowerment and control over their lives.

 

 

 

Less Is Better!

Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Jean-Louis de Biasi, author of Secrets and Practices of the Freemasons, The Divine Arcana of the Aurum Solis, and the forthcoming Rediscover the Magick of the Gods and Goddesses. Jean-Louis is also Lifetime Grand Master of the Ordo Aurum Solis and Kabbalistic Order of the Rose-Cross.

As a teenager, I was fascinated by photos of mysterious initiations and rituals. Even if Internet didn’t exist at this time, books about initiatic Orders provided some photos of these Mysteries: Freemasonry, the Golden Dawn, and Wicca constituted a large part of these publications.

When you read the descriptions of Qabalistic rituals from the 18th and 19th centuries, it is obvious that symbols are omnipresent. If you want to perform a magical ritual, you must first carefully prepare ritual clothing. Robes with golden embroidery, seals, and sigils must be prepared. Hats and fancy headdresses from the Hebrew or Egyptian traditions are cut and assembled. Multicolored magical tools of many kinds are made and consecrated. Then the temple is installed with complex symbols on the walls and on the floor. Altars and columns are erected, and all this installation is consecrated. Of course, everything is justified by the law of correspondences, and any mistake or mix-up can ruin the whole preparation. However, even if the magical operation fails, at least the photos will be great!

I must admit today that most of this scenery is useless, distracting, and sometimes even grotesque. I am still hesitating between circus and epic movies…Of course symbols and correspondences are helpful and interesting to use. It is true that theurgy requires the use of characters drawn on the floor, but too much is too much! If the main point is to organize a private play in order to be applauded by followers, the essential is missed. The Ego is coming back, growing as fast as the scenery. Sometimes you have to accept the simple fact that less is better!

I realized this fact being initiated in the early times of the Ordo Aurum Solis. The temple was almost empty. The ritual apparel was beautiful and simple. Every symbol or ritual tool was useful and removed after use. Two extremely efficient aspects were involved: simplicity and beauty! They are the keys that manifest an authentic ceremony. We are not building a royal palace, nor is performing a magical ritual is not the same as playing a role of priest in the Vatican.

The early Wicca emphasized skyclad rituals. Anyone who has been working in this way knows that the essentials are still there. Raising the invisible power is easy and efficient. If this is so, what is the need for so much in various magical rituals and Orders? It is not necessary to answer this question. We can recognize the trees by their fruits.

Simplicity allows us to focus on the essential. Just a few symbols increase the power of the ritual instead of diluting it.

Beauty raises our consciousness to the highest level, because beauty is the expression of the divine.

It is good sometimes to remove your clothes, go naked in your temple, and meditate on what is really essential in a spiritual quest. Then you will be able to identify the superfluous, and keep what is useful.

As humans, we need ceremonies, rituals, and celebrations. As spirits we need the freedom of the empty blue sky and the silence of the desert. As magicians we need to combine both and surrender the ego to rise to the divine!

Our thanks to Jean-Louis for his guest post! Visit Jean-Louis de Biasi’s author page for more information, including articles and his books.

Autumn Tree Magic

Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Danu Forest, author of the new Celtic Tree Magic.

Autumn is a wonderful time to deepen our connection to the world of nature, and find new ways to work wild magic. Look around…a windy walk among falling leaves can sweep away our worries, and blow the tension of the everyday world from our auras. Let the rain and cold air detach negativity and bring in a clearer perspective. Try if you can to spend some time out in nature…a park, a forest, somewhere where the natural world has its way. Notice the berries in the hedgerow, the apples on the bough; the wild world is full of abundance at this time, supporting all living things to prepare for the winter ahead. How can you align to this rhythm in your own life? Try eating local natural produce, feel the waning sun on your skin, and spend some time each day being grateful for the gifts of the earth.

Autumn is also a time to prepare for the small deaths of winter—the end of the year. Our energies and enthusiasm can grow thin, as Samhain comes and the wheel turns, and all the world seems to sleep beneath the soil. This deep still time ahead is a chance for renewal and transformation. Without this stage in the cycle, the new growth and possibilities of spring are impossible. What do you need to release at this time? What sorrows, regrets, old patterns need to be allowed to die now, and return to the earth? Let go of the things you no longer need, and create space for your new life to grow in the coming spring. Then, when you are ready, spend some little time dreaming—what are your hopes for next year? What do you want to draw to you?

You might want to try this little woodland spell. Get yourself some spring flowering bulbs, ones that favor a woodland or shady setting (anemones or snowdrops, for example). If you are planting in the wild, be responsible and see what grows naturally and find some of those to plant. Find a tree that is losing its leaves, and spend some time tuning in to its energy, its quiet presence. Allow yourself to share your secrets, your hopes and fears…burrow a hole in the earth deep enough to plant your bulbs, and lift some of the soil and fallen leaves in your hands, pouring your worries or pain into them, turning them around and around in your hands. When you are ready, plant the bulb or bulbs in the soil, a few inches deep, and bury them in the soil and leaves. Take a deep breath, and consciously see yourself releasing these old patterns of behavior or circumstance that no longer serves your highest good. Be kind to yourself, and let them go with gratitude and blessing, that they can return to the earth and nourish the new life to come. Without these challenges you would not be who you are today, ready for a time of rest, and a vibrant future when the wheel turns once again. Be like the trees, and let the old fall away with peace, trusting that when the time is right, the spring will bring more abundance and vigor than you ever imagined. Blessed Be!

Our thanks to Danu for her guest post! For more from Danu Forest, read her article “Celtic Tree Magic: 6 Ways to Work with Sacred Trees.” You can also view her new book, Celtic Tree Magic, or visit her online at www.danuforest.co.uk.

Are All Gods the Same?

Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Jean-Louis de Biasi, author of Secrets and Practices of the Freemasons, The Divine Arcana of the Aurum Solis, and the forthcoming Rediscover the Magick of the Gods and Goddesses. Jean-Louis is also Lifetime Grand Master of the Ordo Aurum Solis and Kabbalistic Order of the Rose-Cross.

The theory of correspondences is one of the oldest and essential laws of Magic. It is easy to understand; everything in the universe is linked, and several clues give us the ability to reveal this hidden web. A yellow flower is linked to the Sun, the milk to the Moon, and so on.

The elaboration of these complex relationships has an unexpected consequence in the realm of the Gods and Goddesses.

As everything is linked, the idea of equivalence progressively appeared. Magical Qabalah was the perfect playground for this. Several authors began to list symbols, plants, stones, perfumes associating everything to the sephiroth of the Qabalistic Tree. Ten was a good number for that; not too small, not too big. It was a reasonable size that fit well in the Western occult world. More than that, it was even “well-aspected” with the Biblical heritage. The latter provided countless sacred words derived from layers of Hebrew sediments. However, no trace of divinities. The Almighty can be very exclusive!

But the temptations of modern heretic magicians were too strong, and the Jewish theology too restrictive! The idea came to connect sephiroth and ancient divinities. The last logical step has been to list these divinities according to their personalities. The reassuring sephirotic boxes were perfect and extensible enough to assimilate these foreigners. But, similarity is not interchangeability! Even having the same mother does not make you the same as your brother or sister! Your cousin is different from you! We’re not identical!

What is true for us, is true for the Gods and Goddesses. It is easy to compare Hermes to Thoth, Helios to Amon Ra, or Aphrodite to Ishtar and Hathor. It is true that all these divinities are superior to the humans we are. It is true that their power exceeds what we can imagine. However, they are radically different, one from the other. Their origin, myths, behaviors, customs, languages are different in each countries. As archeologists and anthropologists demonstrated we cannot really compare these divine figures. Even the concept of the after-world is different.

If these divinities really exist and are immortal, we have to admit something: they can be different today compared to what they were. Maybe today, Ares is not wearing the same uniform and using the same kind of weapons. Maybe Egyptian divinities take some vacations in the United States before walking backwards to their turbulent land.

Let’s have a step back and consider Gods and Goddesses in a new way, in their own mythological environment without forcing them in a box. I am sure that you will be surprised by the result. Don’t try to compare your sisters and brothers. They are different. When you accept that, you will be able to discover their unique talents.

Our heart is more open when we accept these divine differences and the divinities will welcome us!

Our thanks to Jean-Louis for his guest post! Visit Jean-Louis de Biasi’s author page for more information, including articles and his books.

Quick Readings

Being able to do quick (around five minutes) readings is a great skill to have if you read for parties or events. With the holiday season approaching, many of you will find yourself in situations where the quick reading will be helpful, such as for events or at parties with friends. It is also useful if you are short on time but have a client or friend who needs a quick reading. Quick readings help you learn to see the main point of a situation, determine the best way to address that point, communicate the answer clearly, and set boundaries with your querent. Practicing these skills will help you be clearer and sharper when performing longer readings as well.

What Not to Do

There are a few things that you should not do in order to keep the reading under five minutes, so we’ll them out of the way first:

1. No time for chatting

This is not the time to exchange philosophical ideas about tarot, destiny, and the future. If your querent has questions of this nature, suggest that they schedule another appointment for when you have more time.

2. No elaborate rituals

You may have developed a bit of ritual that helps you and your querent focus and enter an open mindset. Consider developing an abbreviated version, such as lighting a single candle, closing your eyes for a moment of centering, or tapping your deck three times before or after shuffling.

3. No new decks

This “rule” may not be for everyone (highly intuitive readers may find that new decks work very well for them in this situation), but for most people it is most effective to work with a deck you know well and will therefore be more comfortable with it, eliminating one pressure.

What to Do

Since you only have five minutes, you’ll want to do everything as effectively and efficiently as possible. Here’s how:

1. The question

Help the querent ask a question that is simple and focused on one thing. For example: What is the next step….?

What are three things I can do to ….?

Should I go to….?

Multi-layered, complex questions or questions with life-altering ramifications are best dealt with in a longer session. Questions to avoid for quick readings are one like these:

What can I expect in the year ahead?

How can I balance my spiritual and daily lives?

I’m thinking of quitting my job; should I?

2. The Spread

You’ll want to have handful of spreads for use for quick readings that you know, that are small, and that are clear. Although you need not memorize them, you should have experience using them. Spreads, even simple ones, work certain ways and the more experience you have, the better you’ll understand the dynamics between the positions. The better you know the spread, the less time you’ll spend puzzling out how the spread works and the more time you can spend on interpretation.

Use small spreads. One to five cards is about the maximum that can be covered in a short reading. Too many cards on the table will scatter your attention and dilute your focus. They may also prove distracting to your querent. Many readers can answer a question very well with just one card. More is not always better and is certainly not always necessary.

Make sure the positions in the spread you select are clear and pertinent to the question. For example, if the question is “what is the next step…?” there should not be a position about “what are my hopes and dreams?” If you have a spread where two of the positions are perfect but a third one is way off, just use the two positions that are pertinent.

3. Interpret simply and clearly

You will have time to talk about each card in its position briefly, but do keep it short and relevant. This is not the time to go into the symbolism of a particular card. The main point of quick readings is the final answer. Spend most of your focus in composing a one to three sentence answer. Relate the answer directly to the question and you’ll have a satisfied querent.

4. Time management

Before you commit to quick readings, practice (with a friend or an imaginary querent) using a timer. See how long you spend on preliminary things, such as introductions, rituals, finalizing the question, and shuffling. Try answering the same question with a 1-card spread, a 2-cards spread, and a 3-card spread, etc. Notice if there is a discernable difference in the quality of the answer. You may find that you prefer a certain number of cards for quick readings and always use that number.

Depending on your time management, you will likely have varying amounts of “spare” time during these quick readings. Pay attention to the flow of the reading. If there is extra time, you can invite more querent interaction, response to the cards, or questions. There may be time to clarify and expand an answer. As you gain experience, you will have an instinctual feel for quick readings, how to shave off unnecessary things, and what can be added in, if time allows.

Fast, Focused, and Effective

Quick readings are such a benefit to a reader. They provide ways to either do many readings in a short amount of time or fit in an emergency reading on the spur of the moment. They help increase focus and communication skills. And they are effective, giving useful answers in only a few well-used minutes.

Yoga Practice as a Tool to Combat Negative Self-Image

Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Melanie Klein and Anna Guest-Jelley, co-authors of the new Yoga and Body Image.

We struggled with negative body image most of our lives—running the gamut of diet fads and fitness trends. To call our pursuit of the beauty ideal an obsession is to put it mildly. And, sadly, our preoccupation with making over our bodies is not a rare occurrence.

According to the National Eating Disorders Association, negative body image and rates of eating disorders are rapidly increasing among girls and women across race. But this is not just limited by gender. Body image concerns, eating disorders, and rates of muscle dysmorphia are impacting more boys and men. The emotional, psychological, and physical fall-out of body dissatisfaction is severe (and potentially deadly).

In our experience, yoga practice became a game-changing tool in re-establishing a relationship to our bodies, countering negative media messaging, and silencing the inner critic quick to point out “flaws.” While not a magic bullet or overnight remedy by any means, a consistent yoga practice had the ability to shift our paradigm from disappointment and expectation to gratitude and presence. And that was nothing short of a liberating experience for us.

As we began to write about our yoga and body image experiences, we met more and more people with similar stories—inspiring tales of radical transformation that included the development of acceptance, compassion, and positive body image. While the details were unique, the through-line was the same—yoga practice has the ability to cut through body disassociation, low self-esteem, depression, and dangerous physical practices in the pursuit of social acceptance to reveal the heart of the matter—our authentic nature and the source of true beauty.

Our thanks to Melanie and Anna for their guest post! For more from Melanie Klein and Anna Guest-Jelley, read their article “3 Ways (Yoga Included!) To Shift Your Body Image.”